Khao San Road reopened last February in a new bigger, brighter 2 storey space and pretty much immediately a line formed outside. The first floor houses Khao San Road and tables are still as popular as ever. Upstairs houses a new bar from the owners, Bang Sue, that’s open later (until 2am) with a great cocktail and beer menu plus snacks. I say snacks but the food menu ranged from Shrimp Chips and Dip to Fried Chicken, all with a Thai inspired twist. It would be easy to enjoy a full meal at Bang Sue and I could see the bar being it’s own draw. The concept reminded me a lot of DaiLo and Lo Pan.

The atmosphere at Bang Sue was lively and fun with lots of communal tables and a long bar. Cocktails ranged fro $10-$14 and included lots of Asian flair like coconut, chai tea syrup, ginger and chili. There was also a pretty great selection of craft beers. I enjoyed the Morning Glory Daiquiri and a glass of Shilow Beer Snob.

As for food, so good. We started with nibbles of Tom Yum Nuts and 4-Flavour Caramel Corn (sweet, sour, salty, and spicy). Both were strongly spiced and incredibly addictive, perfect accompaniment to cold glass of beer. Next was Bang Sue’s version of chips and dip, fried shrimp chips and a sweet, savoury chili relish. Shrimp chips by themselves are pretty tasty, paired with sweet, spicy relish, even better. Another one of my favourite beer downing dishes that night was the KSR Potato Salad, which reminded me of Hickory Sticks. Julienned potato was deep fried and seasoned with chili, herbs and fish sauce.

Moving on to more tangible fare,we tasted Spring Rolls, Steak Tartare, Chicken Satay, Pandan Chicken, a Pork Jowl dish and Fried Chicken. I really liked the crispy pork jowl, marinated and served with a tangy sauce, so much that I didn’t even get a chance to photograph it. Every dish had a great sauce that completed the dish.

Dessert was a coconut custard cake that I last ate in Laos, bringing back amazing memories with the authentic flavour and texture. At the time I visited, Bang Sue was also offering 3 Thai inspired gelato flavours in collaboration with Millie. If those are still on the menu, I’d highly recommend trying 1 (or all 3) of the flavours.